As summer ramps up and more people are cooking outside, many are turning to the outdoor griddle to cook their summer favs and some foods they didn’t know they could. An outdoor griddle is a cooking appliance that is heated by burners underneath, often made of flat, durable metal like carbon steel, that’s designed for outdoor cooking. It’s essentially a large, flat surface where you can cook a variety of foods, much like a stovetop, but in a portable, outdoor-friendly format.
Some of the benefits of outdoor griddles are the versatility and portability, temperature control, and ease of use. Griddles can cook a wide range of foods, from pancakes and eggs to burgers, steaks, and vegetables. An outdoor griddle is portable and can be used on a deck, patio, or even at a campground. Outdoor griddles often have varying temperature zones, allowing for more precise cooking and the ability to cook multiple items simultaneously. There is also less smoke than with a grill. The flat surface makes it easy to cook delicate foods, like fried rice, which might fall through grill grates.
To get the most out of your outdoor griddle and the most flavorful food, season it properly, have the ingredients prepared in advance, adjust the heat based on what you’re cooking, and don’t forget to clean it!
Seasoning:
Season before first use. Season the outdoor griddle at least three times before the first use.
Apply a thin layer of oil, like grapeseed or avocado oil, and spread it evenly over the surface with a spatula. Avoid using excessive amounts of oil, as this can lead to residue. Continue seasoning after cleaning, allowing the seasoning to build up each time you cook.
Cooking:
Prep ingredients as griddles cook quickly, so have all the ingredients ready before you start.
Learn how to use the temperature zones on the griddle and adjust heat based on what you’re cooking. Start with a lower heat setting and gradually increase it as needed.
An infrared temperature gun can help you identify hot and cold spots on the griddle. Another item that you can use is a dome; this can help melt cheese on grilled sandwiches or burgers or even be used to cook biscuits.
Cleaning:
Remove food and oil residue after each cook with a scraper or spatula. Then, allow the griddle to cool down before cleaning to avoid burns. Use a non-damaging scouring pad for cleaning and remember to season again after it’s clean.
There are some things to know as a first-time user: seasoning, preheating, proper spatula, temperature control, and to experiment and have fun.
Seasoning: Before the first use, it’s essential to season the griddle. This process creates a protective layer and enhances its non-stick properties. Simply apply a thin coat of cooking oil across the surface and heat it for about 30 minutes.
Preheating: Always preheat the griddle before cooking. This ensures that the surface is evenly heated, reducing the chances of sticking and making it easier to clean afterward.
Proper Spatula: Invest in a high-quality, flat metal spatula. The flat design allows you to maneuver and flip food with ease.
Temperature Control: Become familiar with the temperature control settings of the griddle. Different dishes require different heat levels, so knowing how to adjust the heat is crucial.
Experiment and Have Fun: The beauty of the outdoor griddle lies in its ability to experiment with various recipes and cooking styles. Don’t be afraid to be creative and try new things!
When considering outdoor griddles, several factors should be taken into account: size, material, features, and maintenance. Consider how many people you typically cook for and choose a griddle with sufficient surface area. The griddle material can vary from steel and iron, which are durable and retain heat well, to cast iron griddles that can be seasoned for a non-stick surface. Look for features like multiple heat zones, grease management systems, and natural gas compatibility. Lastly, learn how to properly season the griddle to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface.
Common foods to cook on a griddle:
- Steak, Burgers, and Chicken: Griddles are excellent for achieving a crispy crust and even cooking on these meats.
- Pancakes and Waffles: The even heat distribution makes griddles ideal for creating perfectly golden-brown pancakes and waffles.
- Vegetables: Searing vegetables on a griddle gives them a delicious, smoky flavor.
- Seafood: Griddles are great for quick-cooking seafood like shrimp and scallops.
- Eggs: Searing eggs on a griddle is a great way to create perfectly cooked eggs.
With the wide variety of foods and the ease of use, an outdoor griddle is a good investment. What are you waiting for? Get out there and griddle!
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Community Vitality & Health Educator
Sources:
- The Tasting Table, https://www.tastingtable.com
- Pro Smoke, https://prosmokebbq.co.uk